Literary Terms (Literary Devices)

When a word sounds like what it means

A problem or struggle between opposing forces

A play on words in which one word is substituted for another similar or identical sound, but of very different meaning.

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

A character working against the main character

A universal idea or big lesson about life

The audience's excited anticipation about the plot or conflict.

A struggle between a literary or dramatic character and an outside force, such as nature or another character.

A character that stays the same throughout a story

The pattern of rhythm and sound used in poetry.

A person, place, or thing that suggests meanings beyond its literal sense.

The organization of a story's various elements, including plot, characters, and themes.

A word that has the same meaning as another word (or nearly the same meaning)

Giving inanimate objects human characteristics

The character telling the story is an outside observer; i.e. he/she AND provides a God's-eye perspective on things

An exaggeration used to emphasize a point- not to be taken literally.

When the author gives hints about things that'll happen in the story.

When the author describes a character without telling the reader directly.

The sequence of events that make up a story.

Combining words that contradict each other

A word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect.

When a character in literature experiences tension within themselves.

The conclusion of a story

A contradiction between what is said and what is meant.

An element such as an image, idea, theme, situation, or action, that recurs significantly throughout a narrative.

Comparing 2 things without using like or as.

Show a past event to show a character's motives

The dictionary meaning of a word

The repetition of a consonant sound.

A reference to a well-known person, event, place, or work of art.

Where and when a story takes place

A writer's tool, or "literary device" that occurs any time the author uses details to teach us about a person.

The character telling the story is an outside observer; i.e. he/she

Using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

A character that undergoes a big change by the end

This part of the story is often where the protagonist faces challenges and must overcome obstacles to achieve their goal

Correspondence of sound between words or the endings of words, when these are used at the ends of lines of poetry

When the author describes a character in a straightforward manner, as if telling the reader directly.

The audience knows something that the characters don't

The main character in a story

A character who contrasts with another character.

Comparing 2 things using like or as

A conversation between characters

The introduction of setting & characters

The repetition of a consonant sound

A word opposite in meaning to another

The most intense point in a story

A statement that at first appears self-contradictory, but on reflection reveals some deeper sense

A description that appeals to the 5 senses

A literary device in which a word or phrase is used multiple times.

The forms and uses of language in a literary work.

When the opposite of what is expected actually happens.

Words, phrases, clauses, or sentences set in deliberate contrast to one another.

An association or additional meaning that a word may carry, beyond its literal reference or dictionary definition.

A type of literature, or artistic writing, that attempts to stir a reader's imagination or emotions.

The repetition of the same word at the beginning of lines of verse, sentences, or parts of sentences

The character telling the story is taking part in the story; i.e. I / me

The feeling we get from a story

Writer's attitude toward his/her subject

A contrast between what looks real and actually real.

The part of the plot that comes after the story's climax.